During my recent Asos shopping spree when I bought the multi-coloured faux fur coat, I did purchase something a little more “sensible” too. Straight or flared leg trousers are wardrobe essentials for me. I have lots of cropped peg leg trousers, which are great for Summer, but not brilliant for colder weather, unless you wear with sock boots.

I teamed these classic navy trousers and sweater with a red coat for a simple two-colour outfit.

I’d had my eye on these Finery flared trousers for a while and was contemplating ordering them from their website. They were reduced to £44, but then I found them at Asos marked down to £32. Well, at less than half price I had to order them. I have a few pieces from Finery (including this shirt dress) and have always been very impressed with the quality.

I teamed these classic navy trousers and sweater with a red coat for a simple two-colour outfit. Often I prefer to add a third colour, but I didn’t want to dilute the impact of the navy and red. The flared sleeves of the jumper have black edging and the earring tassels are also black, so strictly speaking there is a third colour, not that you’d notice immediately.

This a typical work outfit for me: comfortable, stylish and warm. I usually wear a baker boy cap because it’s so windy where I work that an umbrella isn’t an option. They’re easy to carry in my bag and pop on when I’m going outside. But I think a wide brim hat looks better with this outfit, balancing out the flared trousers. I may wear hats less frequently when I’ve had my hair cut on Thursday…seriously, I’m counting the hours! I’ll be heading down to stay with my mum for a few days and let my regular hairdresser pick the bones out of the mess caused by my straighteners. I’m at the point where I don’t care about having it chopped off, I just want the damaged hair gone. Watch this space!

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One benefit of working in the same place as Pete is that we regularly get to meet for coffee or have lunch together. If we didn’t make the most of these opportunities we’d see each other a lot less with us both working shifts. Occassionally we get to car share too, which keeps travel costs down and helps the environment: win win! It also means I can pester him to take photos 😉 As it’s a special occasion I persuaded him to feature in this Valentine’s lunch date outfits post.

With Valentine’s Day falling in the week it makes more sense to make a lunch date of it.

We rarely go out in the evening due to working patterns and childcare. But to be honest, I prefer to go out for lunch because I’m usually too tired to out at night (I know, I’m a party pooper!). With Valentine’s Day falling in the week it makes more sense to make a lunch date of it. Luckily we have plenty of options close by work that cater for both our preferences…I’ve sussed out most of them for the vegan options 😉

Pete isn’t one for dressing up (he won’t mind me saying that!) so he usually wears jeans and trainers for work. Thankfully there’s no dress code so we can wear whatever we want. He did make the effort with his footwear though and wore shoes for a change. Pete doesn’t like to spend a lot of money on clothes (ahem, unlike me!) so finding good quality jeans at a reasonable price point is important. These V by Very straight fit jeans are great value for only £35. They contain 2% elastane, making them really comfortable, especially when you’re sitting for most of the day. The only improvement would be to make the belt loop a little wider as it doesn’t seem to be a standard fit. As well as their own range of denim, Very also sell classic names like Levi’s and Wrangler.

SHOP THE LOOK

The statement coat

Working a ten hour shift means I also have to dress comfortably, and it doesn’t get more comfy than a jumper dress. Teamed with thick tights and long boots, it also makes for a warm and cosy outfit, if a little bland…which is where a statement coat proves invaluable. You can put a coat like this on over the plainest outfit and still feel fabulous. To be honest, when I saw this faux fur coat online I wasn’t totally convinced. I’d been deliberating over several in the Asos sale, but I was drawn to the mix of colours and textures in this one. Once I put it on I was completely smitten! It’s one of those items of clothing that instantly lifts my mood and just makes me feel good. That’s how all clothes should be in my opinion! All hail the statement coat!

Are you going anywhere to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do you have a special oufit for the occasion?

Disclaimer:Items marked “c/o” were gifted in exchange for a review. All words and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliates links which means I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is very much appreciated.

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If I could have anything for Valentine’s Day it’d be to stay in bed all day…to sleep before you ask! Just a day to lounge around and do nothing but read, listen to music and drink tea would be heavenly. Of course, you need great loungewear to, well, lounge around in. This animal print two piece set is perfect for wearing around the house; I certainly won’t be embarassed to answer the door to the postlady wearing it! It happens to all bloggers, right? All those parcels 😉

Now I’m all for treating myself, whether it’s a special occasion or not. But I’m not averse to dropping hints to the husband either. Hey, a little guidance never hurt in the pursuit of the ideal gift! If like me, you can never think of what you’d like when put on the spot, I’ve selected some gorgeous Valentine’s gift ideas guaranteed to please.

The V by Very animal print lounge set is ideal for those stay-at-home days, but could also double up as sleepwear when it’s cold. The fabric is a medium thickness with a little bit of stretch. The sizing is bit tricky – I was unsure whether to order the 8-10 or 12-14. After some advice from the team at Very I opted for the 8-10, and although the fit is snug – especially on the arms, it’s not uncomfortable. The fabric isn’t super stretchy like jersey, but it does have some give in it. I would say if you’re in between sizes go for the larger option. I chose the grey slippers to go with the lounge set, and they are lovely and snuggly. (For size reference I ordered the large and have size 8 feet).

A true test of loving a fragrance is repurchasing it when you finish the bottle.

I love my teas and coffees, I seriously don’t think I could survive without caffeine! Having pretty mugs turns a mundane habit into a treat. It might sound weird, but I have my own mugs that no-one else in the house uses…not that I’m territorial or anything! Another daily habit of mine is wearing perfume, and while I have quite a large collection I usually stick to the same two or three. A true test of loving a fragrance is repurchasing it when you finish the bottle. I’ve just used up my Lancôme La Nuit Trésor and will definitely be buying it again soon. It’s a beautiful gourmand woody floriental perfume. It has notes of fresh raspberry, frankincense and vanilla, with a heart of black rose essence. I used to wear the original Trésor in my twenties, but I think this latest incarnation is even better.

We all love a little luxury, and being vegan doesn’t mean having to make sacrifices. There are some fantastic vegan leather options for handbag and shoe lovers like myself. Matt and Nat probably have the widest range of bags, from backpacks to classic totes like the red one below. Chocolate isn’t off limits for me either, quite the opposite; I enjoy a little chocolatey treat most days. Usually it’s just a supermarket own brand dairy free bar, but for special occasions Hotel Chocolat is definitely worth the splurge. (One to bear in mind for Easter too).

Good skincare and fabulous jewellery are also things I can’t live without. I’ve been using Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish for years, and recently Isobel has started using it too. It’s so gentle yet effective, it’s not surprising it has won numerous awards.

I have lots and lots of jewellery, but one of my favourite brands is Ottoman Hands. The designs are exquisite and look far more expensive than they actually are. I’ve bought quite a few pieces myself, but my latest addition was a pair of earrings from Pete for Christmas (which I chose myself). Like I said, a little guidance never hurt in getting what the heart desires 😉

Which of these is your favourite? Do you buy Valentine’s gifts, and if so do you drop hints or leave it to your other half to choose?

Disclaimer: I was gifted the lounge set and slippers in exchange for a review. All words and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliates links which means I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is very much appreciated.

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Where did the weekend go? I think I blinked and missed it. But then most weekends pass by in a flash when I’m not working. It was certainly busy, mostly due to taking Isobel to various activities. Plus she had her friend round for a sleepover…midnight feasts, making slime, you know how it goes! I remember how much fun it was having sleepovers at that age; now I have fun with fashion rather than staying up late and having pillow fights!

I certainly found a bargain with this French Connection tartan jacket…it cost all of £5, plus the postage was free too!

I’ve always loved a charity shop or eBay bargain, but I’m now trying harder than ever to make more environmentally friendly purchases. Of course, I’m still partial to a little Asos spree once in a while, but I’m thoroughly enjoying buying preloved clothes. Bagging a bargain and being eco-friendly is a winning combination. I certainly found a bargain with this French Connection tartan jacket…it cost all of £5, plus the postage was free too!

My attention turned towards tartan while thinking about what to wear for the Match Made in Seven punk theme. A few months before, I’d had my eye on a tartan biker jacket on eBay, but I didn’t get round to buying it…and then it sold. So when Nancy announced punk as the group’s first theme I was kicking myself for not snapping it up. I looked for a tartan A line skirt instead but couldn’t find one in time. In the end I wore a Sex Pistols T-shirt, leather skirt and biker boots. But once I get an idea in my head I have to see it through, so I carried on searching.

I really like the unusual mix of orange, dark red, grey and black.

As luck would have it I found this French Connection tartan biker jacket with a starting bid of just a fiver. Nobody else bid on it so it was mine! I really like the unusual mix of orange, dark red, grey and black. It pairs well with my the check print ankle boots I bought in the January sales, and I had the perfect matching accessories with the orange bag, earrings and bracelet. I think tartan/plaid might be my latest obsession!

Thanks so much for all of your kind comments about the theft of my foxy friends, I really appreciate every one of them. Still no news I’m afraid, but we’re trying to stay hopeful.

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Life lately

Well the last few days haven’t been the best. Some of you may have seen on Facebook that the animal sanctuary where I volunteer was broken into at the weekend and two of the tame foxes stolen. This has left all of the staff there totally devastated. Alice and Rift are the sweetest little foxes and completely trusting of humans. I’m heartbroken to think that trust has been betrayed by hideous people who mean to do them harm. Their appearance on BBC’s Countryfile on Sunday evening made for bittersweet viewing. I’ve been totally absorbed by trying to spread the word and help to get them back, but I fear that won’t happen. I can’t go into the possible reasons someone would steal foxes here on the blog, but let’s just say it doesn’t look good.

The outfit

I haven’t really felt like putting on nice clothes and smiling for the camera, but life must go on. Do you remember when I featured the hot pink Fabienne Chapot hat? Well this is the pale blue version. It may be my imagination but it feels a tad smaller than the pink one. I thought about teaming it with a brown coat, but then I remembered I had this blue coat that’s a near perfect shade match. It’s been ages since I last wore it – almost four years to the day in fact! The length and fit means it’s not as versatile as some of my other coats. Also, pale blue isn’t a colour I wear often; I usually opt for warm shades as they look better against my complexion.

Teaming the pale blue with shades of pink helps to warm it up a bit and prevent it from washing me out.

This outfit reminded me of when Rose Quartz and Serenity were the Pantone colours of the year. Teaming the pale blue with shades of pink helps to warm it up a bit and prevent it from washing me out. I didn’t have a pale blue or pink skirt that would work with the coat so I pulled this old navy one from storage. I used to wear it lots with navy tights and boots, but it’s been relegated to a suitcase since moving house. To give it a new lease of life and some contrast against the pale blue, I opted for dark pink tights and satin sock boots. The collarless coat has a zipper rather than buttons, so the faux fur scarf prevents it from looking too blocky. I added some pink and blue jewellery, plus fun pink sunglasses to complete the look.

Are you drawn more towards cool or warm colours? How do you make colours work for you when they aren’t ideal for your compexion?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliates links which means I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is very much appreciated.